ESPN analyst Bart Scott vehemently disagreed with the notion that New England Patriots quarterback Drake Maye is a legitimate MVP candidate, citing the team’s weak schedule and coaching support as key factors. Scott made these comments on ESPN’s “Get Up” show following the Patriots’ victory over the New York Jets.
Bart Scott, a former NFL linebacker and current ESPN analyst, sparked debate by dismissing Drake Maye’s MVP credentials during a recent appearance on “Get Up.” Scott, known for his rivalry with the Patriots from his time with the Jets and Ravens, argued that Maye’s success is more a product of the team’s system than individual brilliance. He specifically responded “No” when asked if he viewed Maye as an MVP, emphasizing the role of coaching in his development.
The context for Scott’s remarks was the Patriots’ impressive 27-14 win over the New York Jets on Thursday Night Football, which extended New England’s winning streak to eight games and improved their record to 9-2, the best in the AFC. Maye performed efficiently, completing 25 of 34 passes for 281 yards and one touchdown, further fueling MVP discussions. This victory came amidst a season where the Patriots have dominated their schedule, leading to questions about the quality of their opponents.
Scott pointed to the Patriots’ strength of schedule, noting that their opponents have a combined record of 37-66, which he believes diminishes the significance of their wins. He stated, “I saw a quarterback that has a good coordinator that designs good plays for him. But I also see a team that’s beat teams with a combined record of 37-66. Let’s keep it in perspective.” This critique aligns with data showing the Patriots have the worst strength of schedule in the NFL this season.
In his remarks, Scott called the MVP talk “disrespectful” to other quarterbacks like Daniel Jones, Sam Darnold, and Matthew Stafford, who he implied are more deserving based on their performances. He elaborated that while Maye is a very good player, the team is well-coached and playing at their peak, but he wouldn’t be surprised if they lose in the playoffs to teams like Kansas City, Baltimore, or Buffalo. This highlights the subjective nature of MVP awards and the importance of team context.
Despite Scott’s skepticism, Maye’s statistical case for MVP is compelling. He ranks seventh in the NFL in passing yards per game (257.8), is tied for second in touchdown passes (20), and fifth in passer rating (113.2). Moreover, he leads the league in advanced metrics such as completion percentage over expected and expected points added, and has the second-best passer rating on passes of 20-plus air yards. These numbers underscore his efficiency and playmaking ability.
The Patriots’ weak schedule has been a recurring topic, with their opponents’ combined winning percentage at .356, the lowest in the league. However, the team has shown they can compete against better teams, going 2-1 against opponents above .500, including wins over the Buffalo Bills and Tampa Bay Buccaneers. In those games, Maye averaged 270 passing yards and 23.3 rushing yards, with four touchdowns and two interceptions, demonstrating his capability under pressure.
Scott’s history with the Patriots adds context to his comments, as he was a vocal critic during his playing days, which may influence his perspective. Nonetheless, his points about schedule strength are echoed by other analysts. Meanwhile, Maye remains the betting favorite for MVP at most sportsbooks, with odds around +235, slightly ahead of Stafford’s +250, indicating that many still see him as the frontrunner.
Looking ahead, the Patriots face a critical stretch that could validate or undermine Maye’s MVP case. If they continue winning against stronger opponents, Maye may silence critics like Scott. For now, the debate highlights the intersection of team success, individual stats, and perceived difficulty in awarding the league’s most valuable player, with Scott’s comments adding fuel to an already heated discussion.
